Jerome D’Ambrosio joined Scuderia Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, announced by team principal Frederic Vasseur as one of the “Top Guys” alongside technical director Loic Serra, brought in to strengthen the Maranello team’s leadership and operational staff. Since October 2024, the Belgian, former Formula 1 driver, has taken on the role of vice team principal and head of the Ferrari Driver Academy, following a successful tenure at Mercedes where he worked closely with team principal Toto Wolff. In his new position at Maranello, Jerome D’Ambrosio has assumed a critical role supporting Frederic Vasseur—not only in taking important team decisions but also in alleviating the extensive workload carried by the Ferrari team principal. In fact, D’Ambrosio has admitted that he communicates with Vasseur up to five times a day to discuss both strategic and operational matters.
Ready to step in when needed
Jerome D’Ambrosio is also prepared to step into more visible roles when required, as he demonstrated during the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, where he temporarily replaced Vasseur at the track. The former Lotus and Marussia driver performed this role impressively, earning recognition and respect from both Ferrari fans and Formula 1 insiders for his professionalism and precision during post-race interviews. Speaking to the Belgian news outlet La Libre, D’Ambrosio reflected on what it means to work in Maranello, highlighting the pressures, responsibilities, and intense emotional environment that come with being part of Ferrari—a team whose passion resonates far beyond the pit wall.
A unique experience in Italy
“Life in Italy is different, and professionally things are going very well,” Jerome D’Ambrosio explained. “Ferrari is a team like no other because everything is experienced in a completely different way compared to my previous experiences. Ferrari is like a religion for many people. In the mornings, when I go out to get coffee near the factory, I’m often asked about the weekend and how the team performed. Every person experiences Ferrari in their own unique way. There are fans outside the factory every single day.”
From glory to challenge
Jerome D’Ambrosio continued by emphasizing how working in Italy amplifies every situation, whether positive or negative—a factor that can be overwhelming for anyone joining Maranello. Beyond adjusting to a new job and a new lifestyle, he must also adapt to the intense passion and emotions of the entire Ferrari environment.
“Everything around Ferrari is amplified, in both good moments and bad. You have to learn to filter all of this,” he said. “Being approached by fans is always nice, but what I love most is hearing ‘Forza Ferrari’ and feeling the support of the fans in every circumstance. It’s an incredible experience that goes beyond the technical and operational side of the job—it’s about being part of something much larger, a team that inspires loyalty and passion worldwide.”
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